What Is the Best Game Boy Phone Case in 2022?

With so many phone cases out there, it’s hard to find something that actually fits the bill and isn’t a colossal rip-off.

If you’re wanting to find out what the best Game Boy phone case is in 2022 and why it’s worth considering, read on to find out what you need to know and what you need to avoid.

Best Game Boy Phone Case: LucBuy Phone Case

Image showing the LucBuy Game Boy phone case.

When you’ve got a Game Boy phone case with 36 built-in games, you know you’re onto a winner.

Just keep in mind, this isn’t going to be high-end emulation. Don’t expect Game Boy quality here. Still, a case with an in-built screen is a cool little hook.

There’s no doubt here that the case is purely an aesthetical choice. All those buttons work and even double up as a fidget toy for those who love to click endlessly.

You’ll also find a micro USB port on the side for charging the case, which is sure to divide folk. The case needs a small power port, but no one uses micro USB anymore. You could also argue the more common but larger USB-C port would add weight and girth to the case. It’s a lose/lose situation where neither outcome offers up a solid solution.

In short, the gaming part of this case is a bit of a drag and the novelty will wear off after a few plays. But that style, though! It’s simply gorgeous.

Pros: 

  • Stylish design
  • Very affordable
  • Nails the retro aesthetic

Cons:

  • Gaming on this case won’t be great
  • No one likes micro USB
  • USB charging port sticks out slightly

Price: $10 to $20 depending on the model

Available for: Galaxy Note10, Galaxy Note10 Plus, Galaxy S10 Galaxy S10 Plus, Galaxy Note20, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 Plus, Galaxy S20 Ultra, iPhone 6P/7P/8P, iPhone 6/7/8/6S, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12/12 Pro, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone X/XS

Runner-Up: RINGANLOVEC Phone Case

Image showing the RNGANLOVEC Game Boy SP style flip case in pink and blue.

The RINGANLOVEC case invokes the spirit of the Game Boy Advance SP effortlessly. Just look at how cute it is!

Although Etsy can be hit and miss, this phone case has several glowing reviews, complete with pictures too, meaning you can actually see the finished result before you buy.

It’s also made from premium silicon, which is good as it’ll give the case a certain amount of bend. That’s something you definitely want to keep in mind when dealing with flip phones. If it’s cheap plastic, it could crack or snap when you’re opening the device.

Pros: 

  • Looks like a Game Boy Advance SP
  • Can be customized with stickers
  • Really cute

Cons:

  • Pricier than other items in this guide
  • Only two main color schemes
  • Made to order

Available for: Samsung Z Flip, Samsung Z Flip3, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

Alternative Option: Retro Arcade Game Case

Image showing the NES style phone case.

If the best Game Boy phone case isn’t doing it for you, there’s always this NES-style phone case.

Now, it’s worth noting this is a fairly basic case – there aren’t any buttons to press or a screen to play games on. That said, for the price it’s a beautiful design, and owners are impressed with how much it looks like the image above (something that isn’t a given with phone cases).

In terms of downsides, it’s a shame it doesn’t have any buttons to press and TPE cases don’t offer much in the way of shock absorption. Surface scratches, sure, but if it drops, you’ve only really got the corners to offset the impact.

Pros: 

  • Looks like the picture
  • Retro
  • Will stop the back area from getting scratched

Cons:

  • Only good for protection against surface scratches
  • Costs more than the LucBuy case
  • Only fits iPhone 13

Available for: iPhone 13

Ones to Avoid: Game Boy Color Phone Case

The awful Game Boy Color phone case

Right. Don’t buy the Game Boy Color phone case. It’s depressingly rubbish.

The thing that really grates is it looks good in principle: Clicky buttons mixed with a Pokemon design should be a winning formula. So what’s the problem?

Imagine putting a jpeg onto a phone case. That’s the problem here. It’s a generic phone case with an image stuck over it. There aren’t even any buttons!

That’s the thing when shopping for phone cases. Something can look a lot better than it actually is. It’s a problem we see on Amazon and AliExpress constantly, alas.

Our advice? Be sure to always, always, always check reviews. If people aren’t happy with their purchase, they’ll let you know.

With regards to the Game Boy Color phone case, just avoid it. It’s not worth even contemplating.

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Wesley Copeland

Wesley Copeland is a gaming and tech journalist with over 10 years of experience writing online. Originally starting in video games before specializing in tech and toys, you can find his bylines at IGN, VG24/7, Kotaku, Tech Radar, Games Radar, PC Gamer, and many more. He's also highly passionate about how tech can be used to better our day-to-day lives.